Floyd Patterson gives Zora Folley a title shot in 1958.

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Richard M Murrieta, Sep 12, 2020.



  1. Richard M Murrieta

    Richard M Murrieta Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Floyd Patterson gives Zora Folley a title shot in 1958. Zora Folley had just knocked out Pate Rademacher in round 4, Does Zora have a chance? or will Floyd kayo him early?
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2020
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  2. LoadedGlove

    LoadedGlove Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Cus D'Amato wanted no part of Folley. Zora had a great angle against Floyd in that they were so similar in height and weight. Floyd didn't have a disadvantage to work on. Also, Folley was very fast.
    I really can't pick this but it's a fantastic fight for real fans.
     
  3. William Walker

    William Walker Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    This could go either way. Both had been fighting for about 5 yrs. and Patterson was slightly more experienced. I could see either one winning by a decision. 50/ 50. Good fight. Floyd would force Zora into a battle.
     
  4. sweetsci

    sweetsci Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I'd pick Patterson. They were scheduled to fight in November 1966, but Floyd pulled out.
     
  5. CharlieFirpo85

    CharlieFirpo85 Member Full Member

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    Zora is a little underrated. I have to give credit to him. With his calm and stiff, slightly back leaning stance, and his classic style he kinda reminds me on the 30s/40s era fighters like Max Schmeling. Also the the straight non telegraphing punches...he is very measuring, concentrated, waiting for the right moment...another similarity. And just like these gentlemen he fought quite often. 96 pro fights in a 17 year career including many decent fights against formidable opponents. (He beat Machen, Cooper, Bonavena, Bob Foster, Doug Jones, Mildenberger... ) A true fighter!

    But I still favor Patterson.
     
  6. crixus85

    crixus85 Active Member Full Member

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    1958, the same year Zora had the sleep inducing draw with Machen and the loss to Cooper, not the best year to pick, perhaps!
    Anyway, whatever year it was, Floyd would have been too lively for Folley.
     
  7. scartissue

    scartissue Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Does he have a chance? A far better chance than the other class of fighters Floyd was defending against. However, in a fight that might cause a surprise or two, I would still favor Floyd.
     
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  8. klompton2

    klompton2 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Floyd had way too many tools in his tool box. Folley wasnt busy enough, wasnt fast enough, and wasnt durable enough. He was also as orthodox as you can get meaning Floyd would have no problem figuring him out.
     
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  9. William Walker

    William Walker Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I believe Patterson-Folley was almost on paper at least a third time as well. I think I remember reading that in '64 when Floyd was on the comeback trail that Folley came up as a potential opponent.
     
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  10. Richard M Murrieta

    Richard M Murrieta Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    As a well respected poster stated before on this thread, they were signed to meet in Nov 1966, but I suppose that the negotiations fell through.
     
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  11. William Walker

    William Walker Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I was making the point that they almost signed for a fight several times.
     
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  12. KasimirKid

    KasimirKid Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I agree, although I don't see any likelihood of a surprise.
     
  13. Glass City Cobra

    Glass City Cobra H2H Burger King Full Member

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    This is a somewhat even fight. Floyd is a little more well rounded being able to swarm as well as box while Folley was good at mid range with a cagey counter punching style. Actually, Folley has some stylistic similarities to Ingemar Johanson, but obviously doesn't hit as hard.

    Folley was good at tying guys up and making them fight at his preferred range. He kept the strong as a bull rugged Bonavena from charging inside over and over again with superb grappling and defense. I don't see Floyd, who was more skilled than Bonavena but not nearly as strong, being able to just have his way at close range swarming with that peak a boo style.

    I think it would be a very boring fight honestly, with only a few minor moments of excitement: Floyd landing a few sizzling flurries and leaping gazelle punches (that hit nothing but air) and Folley landing a few jolting right hands. There'd be a ton of jabbing, clinching, circling, and staring at mid range as both men are frustrated not really being able to really fight their usual fight.

    Floyd takes it on points due to a higher work rate and landing more due to his hand speed. Likely no knockdowns.
     
  14. William Walker

    William Walker Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I don't necessarily think this would happen, but Folley was a very patient boxer who was a fast and accurate counterpuncher. I think those qualities would be bad for Floyd when he leaps with his gazelle punches. Folley would get at least one knockdown for sure imo.
     
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  15. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Tough fight for both men. I give Patterson the edge
     
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